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NLA President Presents Info And Check To CFLA

ORLANDO, Fla. — Not only did the Central Florida Livery Association (CFLA) receive a presentation from NLA President Gary Buffo himself, he also came out to write them a rebate check for $615 during the group’s Aug. 14 meeting.

“It’s always amazing to feel the acceptance of our association by the NLA,” said CFLA President Wendy Kleefisch, owner of Brevard Executive Transportation. Buffo gave an informative PowerPoint presentation on the ins and outs of the national association, which included instructions on how to become a member and how it benefits both operators and the association itself. He also provided details about the various sponsors members can get discounts from.

“One is 25% off a windshield replacement from Safelite; that’s a big savings for smaller operators, and there were a lot of them in the room,” Kleefisch said. About 40 people were present for the two hour meeting at the Clarion Inn, sponsored by Book.limo.

Also presenting was Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB) Director of Security and Ground Transportation George Speake, who ended up getting along very well with Buffo. Speake talked about the expansion of the airport and showed new areas to park luxury vehicles along the curb, newly created taxi lanes, and a TNC staging area far away from terminals so they won’t cause as much congestion.

Kleefisch also asked about reducing the cost of permits, which Speake said he would take to the board, and he immediately granted a vehicle inspection grace period of 120 days versus 30 days for all commercial vehicles. “Having Gary as backup for any questions I asked was amazing,” Kleefisch said.

Paula DeBiasi, executive director of the Illinois Limousine & Bus Association and owner-operator of Chicago CoachWorks, talks with LCT contributing editor Jim Luff during the International LCT Show in March for insights on why associations are needed to protect operator livelihoods.

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